Investigate and Argue: Non-Fiction Research and Debate Writing

Imagine you want to convince your headteacher to extend break time. You could just say 'Please do it!' — but would that work? Probably not. 💡 A powerful argument needs evidence, logical structure, and carefully chosen language. This is exactly what debate writers, journalists, and lawyers do every single day. In this lesson, you will learn how to write a discussion text — a type of non-fiction writing that presents more than one viewpoint and then reaches a reasoned conclusion. By the end, you will be able to plan and write your own structured argument on any topic.

Every strong discussion text follows a clear structure. It opens with an introduction that sets out the topic and explains why it matters. Next come the arguments FOR the idea, each supported by evidence or examples. Then come the arguments AGAINST. Finally, there is a conclusion where the writer states their own reasoned viewpoint. This structure helps readers follow your thinking without getting confused. Think of it like building a bridge — each paragraph is a plank, and without them all in the right place, the bridge collapses. 🌉

Now let's look at the language toolkit for argument writing. Modal verbs are verbs that express possibility, necessity, or certainty — words like might, could, should, must, and may. They let you control how strongly you state something. Saying 'Longer breaks could improve concentration' sounds reasonable and evidence-based, while 'Longer breaks will definitely fix everything' sounds over-the-top. Cohesive devices are words and phrases that link your paragraphs and sentences smoothly — examples include furthermore, on the other hand, however, in contrast, therefore, and as a result. Together, modal verbs and cohesive devices make your argument feel thoughtful and authoritative. ✍️

Good argument writers do not just make up points — they use evidence. Evidence can come from statistics (numbers and data), expert opinions, research studies, or real-life examples. When you research a topic, it is important to use more than one source so your information is balanced and reliable. Always ask: Who wrote this? Why did they write it? Could they be biased — meaning do they have a reason to favour one side? For example, a chocolate company's website saying 'chocolate is healthy' needs more checking than a university nutrition study saying the same thing. 🔍

Now you are ready to plan your own discussion text. Choose a topic you feel strongly about — perhaps: Should pupils have more say in what they learn at school? Use this planning sequence: 1️⃣ Write your introduction — what is the debate and why does it matter? 2️⃣ List two or three arguments FOR, each with a piece of evidence or an example. 3️⃣ List two or three arguments AGAINST, again with support. 4️⃣ Draft your conclusion — weigh up both sides and give your own reasoned viewpoint using modal verbs such as 'It could be argued' or 'On balance, I believe'. A plan does not need to be long — bullet points are perfect at this stage.

Let's recap what you have learned today. A discussion text has four clear sections: introduction, arguments for, arguments against, and a reasoned conclusion. You use modal verbs to control how certain your claims sound, and cohesive devices to link ideas and signal switches between viewpoints. Good argument writers always back up their points with evidence from reliable, balanced sources, and they stay alert to bias. These skills are used in real life by journalists, politicians, scientists, and lawyers — and now by you! 🏆 Keep practising and your arguments will become sharper and more persuasive every time you write.